True or False: Tests conducted in upper levels of a home can misrepresent radon hazards if heating systems are inactive during the test.

Testing for radon in the upper levels of a home can indeed misrepresent radon hazards, particularly if the heating systems are inactive during the test period. When heating systems are not operational, the natural airflow and pressure differentials within the home can be altered. Radon levels can be affected by these changes, leading to potentially lower readings in upper levels compared to what may be found in lower levels or basements where radon typically accumulates.

Radon is a gas that can enter homes through cracks and openings in foundations, and it generally tends to collect in lower levels due to its density. Therefore, if the heating systems are turned off during the test, the ventilation may not be adequate to provide an accurate understanding of radon levels throughout the living space, especially in the upper levels where movement of air may be restricted. As a result, this situation can yield misleading test results, underrepresenting the true radon hazard in the home.

In summary, conducting radon tests in upper levels without functional heating systems can lead to inaccurate assessments of radon exposure, emphasizing the importance of controlling various factors in testing conditions.